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Cotton is one of the world's most important natural fiber and cash crops. The research carried out studies of plants F1-F4 considering the importance of cytogenetic analysis of interspecific hybrids for identifying structural differences between homologous chromosomes of crossed forms and substitution of individual chromosomes or chromosome segments because of introgression of interspecific hybrids in cotton breeding. The article comprised a cytogenetic analysis of introgressive lines obtained through the participation of intergenomic crosses and F1-F4 cotton hybrids. The results revealed that in crossed variants of F1-F4 hybrid plants, the presence of open bivalents and univalents in PMC (pollen mother cell) showed the absence of complete conjugation in the chromosomes. It could be due to the structural differences between the homologous chromosomes in the crossed forms caused by exchanging chromosomes with alien ones. According to the tetrad analysis, the average value ranged from 95.65% F1L-158/16 × Sultan to 99.61% F1L-4747-48/16 × Sultan in F1 hybrids. Based on the tetrad analysis in 16 combinations, the meiotic index ranged from 96.76 ± 0.34 to 99.54 ± 0.19 in F2 hybrids and 96.51 ± 0.56 to 99.34 ± 0.30 in F3 hybrids, and in 17 combinations, the range was from 97.14 ± 0.29 to 98.92 ± 0.12 in F4 hybrids. It also confirmed that meiosis is preceding naturally in the remaining hybrid variants, with a decrease observed in the meiotic index. The results also increased the number of other types of gametes (Monod, dyad, triad, pentad, hexad, and polyad), negatively affecting normal gametes formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes data on the production of new intergenomic hybrids involving the species Gossypium thurberi Tod., Gossypium raimondii Ulbr., Gossypium arboreum L., Gossypium hirsutum L., Gossypium barbadense L., belonging to genome groups D1, D5 A2 cotton and presents the results of some cytological studies of the resulting hybrids. As a result of experiments using the method of interspecific hybridization, an amphidiploid {[(G. thurberi Tod. × G. raimondii Ulbr.) × G. arboreum L.] × G. hirsutum L.} with a complex genetic basis was obtained. Based on the hybridization of the resulting amphidiploid with cultivars of the species G. barbadense L. and G. hirsutum L., interspecific complex hybrids were synthesized, including 4 species with hybridization of 46.7-55.1% and including 5 species with hybridization of 24.6-31.3%.By interspecific hybridization and backcrosses, valuable source material for the cotton breeding has been created. Valuable introgressed lines having high productivity and high quality, which are at various stages of testing have been realized. Cytological analysis of the hybrids revealed that they were true interspecific crosses. Observations of meiotic metaphase chromosomes indicated the degree of relatedness between species.

This study explored demographic, ideological, self-rating and personality traits correlates of the Dark Tetrad (DT4) which measures Narcissism (Special), Machiavellianism (Crafty), Psychopathy (Wild), and Sadism (Mean) traits. In total, 447 adults completed three tests: a bright-side, work-related, personality test (HPTI: High Performance Type Indicator), a dark-side test (Short Dark Tetrad) and a number of self-ratings. Correlations and regressions showed that all four dark traits were associated with low Adjustment (Neuroticism), but also with high Risk-Taking and Competitiveness (low Agreeableness). The various measures accounted for a third of the variance in explaining the Mean (Sadistic) score, and 40 % for Special (Narcissism). Trait Competitiveness was most closely associated with all four dark traits.

By asking the question: "What general, testable claims can be made about all media?", Marshall and Eric McLuhan (1988) sought to establish "laws of media" that could be tested, proven, or disproved by anyone, anywhere, anytime. They formulated these "laws" through four questions that can be asked upon the appearance of or regarding any human artifact/technology/media. The importance of this theory is indisputable insofar as its application can identify past, current, and at least partially predict future trends related to some human artifact/technology/media. In this paper we applied this theory to the websites/services for social networking, considering the increasingly widespread and intensive use of these sites/services in the world. Positive aspects are improved and accelerated communication and connection of people, opportunities for creative expression, association and struggle for common goals, and also earnings. The negative aspects range from a potentially bad impact on the user's mental health, pathological addiction, the increasingly difficult distinction between the real and virtual world, being trapped by filter bubbles, all the way to endangering personal data and security.

This article aims to investigate Marshall McLuhan's reflections on the university in relation to the evolution of the different media eco-systems and, in particular, its transformation in the era of electronic communication. McLuhan had occasionally dealt with the University system in some passages of The Gutenberg Galaxy (1962) and Understanding Media (1964). However, it is especially in The Laws of Media: The New Science (1988) that we find the foundations of an interpretation of university history inspired by the heuristic model of the tetrad, concerning the hypothesis that every cultural innovation fuels a complex dynamic made of "enhancement, obsolescence, retrieval, reversal". McLuhan did not elaborate the specific tetrad he had planned. Our analysis on this topic starts from where he stopped. What does the mass university of the XX century enhance? What does it make obsolete? What does the university retrieve that had been obsolete earlier? And, finally, what does it tend to turn into? In line with McLuhan's media paradigm, these key words inspired the interpretation of the changes that the university institution have undergone in the recent past in accordance with the student movements and the tecno-cultural shifts of the global village society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article critically explores the high heel as a mobile medium by discussing the contentious footwear through the lens of media ecology and mobilities research. Employing the McLuhans' 'laws of media' or 'tetrad', I highlight what the high heel enhances, obsolesces, retrieves from the past and flips into when pushed to an extreme. This tetradic reading also draws on contemporary feminist media studies and a gender and media ecology subfield. Ultimately, the article shows to what extent the high heel is an ambiguous and divisive medium that extends the female and male body; shapes and is shaped by past and present cultural, social and political environments; and affords a range of physical, corporeal, social, imaginative and affective (im)mobilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes and analyzes the full presence of blue in the Old Testament – in Hebrew and translations. The interdisciplinary approach includes the treatment of color as a cultural unit according to of Eco’s idea, lexical and contextual semantics, distinguishing visual and verbal color languages. The interface between verbal and visual color language is the prototype. Prototypes are universal natural visual objects – sky, sea, fire, blood, the sun at noon, all plants, light, milk, snow, darkness, and coal and have evolved into cultural units (Eco 1996 [1985]) in all cultures and languages. Basic Color Terms (BCT – blue), Prototype Terms (PT – sky and sea), Rivals Terms of prototypes (RT – sapphire, blue skins), Terms for Basic Features of the Prototypes (TBFP – breadth, infinite, boundless) are examined. Translation is a criterion for semiotic value, cultural and linguistic context. Norm of Test of Free Word-Associations is a source of non-color (secondary) meanings of verbal colors. Test results allow us to flesh out the hidden links ‘prototype color─most typical feature of the prototype─secondary meanings of color’ in text and visual culture. The secondary cultural meanings of BCTs and RTs are specified in color compounds. The color blue tehèlet is used in most cases in synergy (not in opposition) with the other three colors in a tetrad: purple argamàn─scarlet tolàat shanì─linen shesh. Analysis on the synergic relations is performed. The same applies to duads blue-linen, blue-purple, blue skins-scarlet, blue skins-red skins. Color compounds are elements of the Priestly Code, therefore a hypothesis on compounds at semiotic axes is developed. The PT sky is involved in religious heritage. Themes as Hebrew substitute shamàim for the Tetragrammaton, the Hierarchy of heavens complete the areas of cultural unit blue in the Old Testament.

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Copyright of Social Sciences & Humanities Studies / Društvene i Humanističke Studije (DHS) is the property of Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of Tuzla and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background Ponticulus posticus (PP) occurs frequently and may cause symptom series, including vertebrobasilar insufficiency, migraine, hearing loss, and Barré‐Liéou syndrome. However, few studies to date have described surgical treatment of PP. We report a rare case of a patient who suffered from torticollis, facial asymmetry, localized pain, and Barré‐Liéou syndrome in connection with PP. We also review the pertinent literature, focusing on surgical treatment for symptoms due to PP. Case presentation A 23‐year‐old male presented with the chief complaint of continuous significant dizziness to the point of losing consciousness while rotating his head to the right. Plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans of the cervical spine showed a С1 anomaly with the formation of complete PP on the left (dominant) side, with acute‐angled, С‐shaped kinking of the vertebral artery. Resection of PP via the posterior midline was performed successfully. The patient had satisfactory postoperative relief from localized pain and Barré‐Liéou syndrome, but there were no obvious changes in the torticollis and facial asymmetry observed during the 3‐month follow‐up period. Conclusions This case is a rare presentation of torticollis, facial asymmetry, localized pain, and Barré‐Liéou syndrome in connection with one‐sided complete PP. This tetrad indicates that PP may affect the patient earlier than expected. In such situations, early diagnosis and timely surgical treatment may significantly improve patients' quality of life and avoid the development of torticollis and face asymmetry.

Correlations between the morphological features of f lower buds and the developmental stages of the male gametophyte are of great practical interest as a reliable marker that accelerates and simplif ies the selection of appropriate plant material for isolated microspore culture. Microspore culture enables one to quickly obtain many pure lines of different vegetable crops, but it has not yet been widely applied in the melon (Cucumis melo L.). To successfully apply this technique in a new culture, one has to optimize many of its elements: f irst, f ind the biological markers for selecting the f lower buds containing the microspores of certain development stages. The paper presents the results of research estimating the correlations between the length and diameter of the f lower buds, the length of the visual part of the corolla, the length of the anthers and the development stages of the male gametophyte in the F1 hybrid of the Kim Hong Ngoc melon. The strongest correlation (CC = 0.885) was found for the f lower bed diameter and a strong correlation (CC = 0.880), for the bud length. The corolla’s visual part was a less reliable morphological feature, and the anther’s length should not be used as a parameter to predict the developmental stages of the melon’s male gametophyte. It was also found that one anther could contain the microspores and pollen grains of different developmental stages. In the f lower buds less than 4 mm in length and 1.51 ± 0.02 mm in diameter prevailed tetrads, and in the buds 4.0–4.9 mm in length and 2.30 ± 0.02 mm in diameter, early microspores. The microspores of a middle stage of development prevailed in the f lower buds 5.0–5.9 mm in length and 2.32 ± 0.00 mm in diameter; mid and late vacuolated microspores, in the buds 6.0–8.9 mm in length and 2.96 ± 0.37 mm in diameter; and two-celled pollen, in the buds more than 9 mm in length and more than 3.97 ± 0.34 mm in diameter.

Tetrads (or quartets) are arrangements of four nucleobases commonly involved in the stability of four-stranded nucleic acids structures. Four-stranded or quadruplex structures have attracted enormous attention in the last few years, being the most extensively studied guanine quadruplex (G-quadruplex). Consequently, the G-tetrad is the most common and well-known tetrad. However, this is not the only possible arrangement of four nucleobases. A number of tetrads formed by the different nucleobases have been observed in experimental structures. In most cases, these tetrads occur in the context of G-quadruplex structures, either inserted between G-quartets, or as capping elements at the sides of the G-quadruplex core. In other cases, however, non-G tetrads are found in more unusual four stranded structures, such as i-motifs, or different types of peculiar fold-back structures. In this report, we review the diversity of these non-canonical tetrads, and the structural context in which they have been found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a phytocannabinoid found in cannabis that is promoted for medical use and other health benefits, but current empirical data on the behavioral effects of CBG are lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a wide dose range of orally administered CBG on outcomes related to its potential cannabimimetic effects (cannabinoid tetrad), as well as effects on anxiety-like behavior, inflammation and related pain hypersensitivity. In a series of experiments, male and female Sprague Dawley rats received oral CBG (per os [p.o.]) or vehicle prior to testing of effects on 1) the cannabinoid tetrad (30-600 mg/kg, p.o.): assessments of locomotor activity, body temperature, antinociception (tail flick test), and catalepsy (bar test); 2) acoustic startle response (ASR) test of anxiety-like behavior (30-300 mg/kg, p.o.); 3) carrageenan-induced inflammation (paw edema), hyperalgesia (Hargreaves test), and allodynia (von Frey test) tests (10-60 mg/kg, p.o.). Positive control groups were administered THC (0-30 mg/kg, p.o.) for the cannabinoid tetrad assay, the benzodiazepine lorazepam (0-3 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) for the ASR test, or the opioid analgesic morphine (0-10 mg/kg, i.p.) for the carrageenan-induced inflammation and pain hypersensitivity tests. CBG did not produce cannabimimetic actions in the tetrad, but increased locomotor activity at the highest doses (300-600 mg/kg). THC produced typical dose-related cannabimimetic effects. CBG did not produce anxiolytic effects in the ASR test, while groups pretreated with lorazepam showed reductions in ASR. Finally, pretreatment with CBG prior to an intraplantar injection of carrageenan did not prevent the induction of an acute inflammatory state (i.e., increased paw edema and associated hyperalgesia and allodynia). In contrast, morphine alleviated hyperalgesia and allodynia induced by intraplantar carrageenan but did not affect the development of paw edema. In sum, these data do not support the use of oral CBG for anxiety or inflammatory pain., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Ponticulus posticus (PP) occurs frequently and may cause symptom series, including vertebrobasilar insufficiency, migraine, hearing loss, and Barré‐Liéou syndrome. However, few studies to date have described surgical treatment of PP. We report a rare case of a patient who suffered from torticollis, facial asymmetry, localized pain, and Barré‐Liéou syndrome in connection with PP. We also review the pertinent literature, focusing on surgical treatment for symptoms due to PP. Case presentation: A 23‐year‐old male presented with the chief complaint of continuous significant dizziness to the point of losing consciousness while rotating his head to the right. Plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans of the cervical spine showed a С1 anomaly with the formation of complete PP on the left (dominant) side, with acute‐angled, С‐shaped kinking of the vertebral artery. Resection of PP via the posterior midline was performed successfully. The patient had satisfactory postoperative relief from localized pain and Barré‐Liéou syndrome, but there were no obvious changes in the torticollis and facial asymmetry observed during the 3‐month follow‐up period. Conclusions: This case is a rare presentation of torticollis, facial asymmetry, localized pain, and Barré‐Liéou syndrome in connection with one‐sided complete PP. This tetrad indicates that PP may affect the patient earlier than expected. In such situations, early diagnosis and timely surgical treatment may significantly improve patients' quality of life and avoid the development of torticollis and face asymmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: The legalization of medicinal use of Cannabis sativa in most US states and the removal of hemp from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) controlled substances act has resulted in a proliferation of products containing Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) for oral consumption (e.g., edibles, oils, and tinctures) that are being used for recreational and medicinal purposes. Objective: This study examined the effects of cannabinoids THC and CBD when administered orally on measures of pain sensitivity, body temperature, locomotor activity, and catalepsy (i.e., cannabinoid tetrad) in male and female Sprague Dawley rats. Methods: Rats (N = 24, 6 per sex/drug group) were administered THC (1–20 mg/kg), CBD (3–30 mg/kg), or sesame oil via oral gavage. Thermal and mechanical pain sensitivity (tail flick assay, von Frey test), rectal measurements for body temperature, locomotor activity, and the bar-test of catalepsy were completed. A separate group of rats (N = 8/4 per sex) was administered morphine (5–20 mg/kg; intraperitoneal, IP) and evaluated for pain sensitivity as a positive control. Results: We observed classic tetrad effects of antinociception, hypothermia, hyper- and hypolocomotion, and catalepsy after oral administration of THC that were long lasting (> 7 h). CBD modestly increased mechanical pain sensitivity and produced sex-dependent effects on body temperature and locomotor activity. Conclusions: Oral THC and CBD produced long lasting effects that differed in magnitude and time course when compared with other routes of administration. Examination of cannabinoid effects administered via different routes of administration, species, and in both males and females is critical to enhance translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored demographic, ideological, self-rating and personality traits correlates of the Dark Tetrad (DT4) which measures Narcissism (Special), Machiavellianism (Crafty), Psychopathy (Wild), and Sadism (Mean) traits. In total, 447 adults completed three tests: a bright-side, work-related, personality test (HPTI: High Performance Type Indicator), a dark-side test (Short Dark Tetrad) and a number of self-ratings. Correlations and regressions showed that all four dark traits were associated with low Adjustment (Neuroticism), but also with high Risk-Taking and Competitiveness (low Agreeableness). The various measures accounted for a third of the variance in explaining the Mean (Sadistic) score, and 40 % for Special (Narcissism). Trait Competitiveness was most closely associated with all four dark traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a systems theoretic examination of Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy's 'cross of reality', a structure that fuses a spatial dyad of inner-outer and a temporal dyad of past-future into a space–time tetrad. This structure is compatible not only with the 'human-centered' point of view that Rosenstock-Huessy favours, but also with the 'world-centered' point of view inherent in science. The structure, based in his analysis of speech, is applied by him to a wide variety of individual and collective human phenomena, including language, religion, and social critique. To appropriate terminology used by physicists, the cross of reality could be viewed as Rosenstock-Huessy's 'theory of everything', a framework for the social sciences and humanities that can be used to model entities, events and processes. The cross diagrams some basic notions of systems theory. Rosenstock-Huessy's critique of science is partially shared by systems thought, and the goal he posited for sociology of understanding and alleviating human suffering can gain support from systems ideas and methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most human Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use is via inhalation, and yet few animal studies of inhalation exposure are available. Popularization of non-combusted methods for the inhalation of psychoactive drugs (Volcano(®), e-cigarettes) further stimulates a need for rodent models of this route of administration. This study was designed to develop and validate a rodent chamber suitable for controlled exposure to vaporized THC in a propylene glycol vehicle, using an e-cigarette delivery system adapted to standard size, sealed rat housing chambers. The in vivo efficacy of inhaled THC was validated using radiotelemetry to assess body temperature and locomotor responses, a tail-flick assay for nociception and plasma analysis to verify exposure levels. Hypothermic responses to inhaled THC in male rats depended on the duration of exposure and the concentration of THC in the vehicle. The temperature nadir was reached after ∼40 min of exposure, was of comparable magnitude (∼3 °Celsius) to that produced by 20 mg/kg THC, i.p. and resolved within 3 h (compared with a 6 h time course following i.p. THC). Female rats were more sensitive to hypothermic effects of 30 min of lower-dose THC inhalation. Male rat tail-flick latency was increased by THC vapor inhalation; this effect was blocked by SR141716 pretreatment. The plasma THC concentration after 30 min of inhalation was similar to that produced by 10 mg/kg THC i.p. This approach is flexible, robust and effective for use in laboratory rats and will be of increasing utility as users continue to adopt "vaping" for the administration of cannabis.

Observing chromosomes is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, and chromosomes have been analyzed manually for many years. In the last decade, automated acquisition systems for microscopic images have advanced dramatically due to advances in their controlling computer systems, and nowadays, it is possible to automatically acquire sets of tiling-images consisting of large number, more than 1000, of images from large areas of specimens. However, there has been no simple and inexpensive system to efficiently select images containing mitotic cells among these images. In this paper, a classification system of chromosomal images by deep learning artificial intelligence (AI) that can be easily handled by non-data scientists was applied. With this system, models suitable for our own samples could be easily built on a Macintosh computer with Create ML. As examples, models constructed by learning using chromosome images derived from various plant species were able to classify images containing mitotic cells among samples from plant species not used for learning in addition to samples from the species used. The system also worked for cells in tissue sections and tetrads. Since this system is inexpensive and can be easily trained via deep learning using scientists' own samples, it can be used not only for chromosomal image analysis but also for analysis of other biology-related images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this essay is to celebrate the ordinary and the spectacular in restaurant menus as extensions of our omnivorous eating habits and desires. We start from the assumption that a menu is an artefact with a considerable history and discuss it as a hospitality tool which mediates our eating experience. More specifically, we scrutinize the restaurant menu as a communication tool by submitting it to Marshall McLuhan's four laws of the media (1988) and argue that menus are gentle forms of perpetuating the omnivore's dilemma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This editorial summaries the contents of the issue and explores some of the common themes among the different authors and works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetrads (or quartets) are arrangements of four nucleobases commonly involved in the stability of four-stranded nucleic acids structures. Four-stranded or quadruplex structures have attracted enormous attention in the last few years, being the most extensively studied guanine quadruplex (G-quadruplex). Consequently, the G-tetrad is the most common and well-known tetrad. However, this is not the only possible arrangement of four nucleobases. A number of tetrads formed by the different nucleobases have been observed in experimental structures. In most cases, these tetrads occur in the context of G-quadruplex structures, either inserted between G-quartets, or as capping elements at the sides of the G-quadruplex core. In other cases, however, non-G tetrads are found in more unusual four stranded structures, such as i-motifs, or different types of peculiar fold-back structures. In this report, we review the diversity of these non-canonical tetrads, and the structural context in which they have been found.

Expecting parents are often eager to learn the sex of their baby. Gender-reveal parties offer a community or family celebration of that information, often complete with clichéd pink or blue colour coding. Common practices include party games, competitions between Team Boy and Team Girl, and the colourful surprise reveal via confetti, smoke, balloons or food. Not only is the term 'gender-reveal' inaccurate (at best sonograms reveal biological sex), the practice privileges stereotypical gender binaries and legitimates pre-birth personhood under the guise of merriment, appropriating the unborn body as a contested discursive site. The gender-reveal party enhances reliance on medical technology and consumerism, retrieves traditional superstitions about pregnancy, obsolesces privacy and reverses into the commodification of both mother and child. Gender-reveals do not necessarily celebrate the pregnancy or the mother. The gender-reveal party functions to reinforce traditional cisgender binaries and constructs gendered expectations for the child even before birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rational approach to the Fermi-Walker transport equation is proposed by deriving it from a condition of "non-rotation". First, the condition is applied to a tetrad basis and then generalized to an arbitrary space-time four-vector. The method is conceptually simple and apart from the use of tetrad bases in four-dimensional space-time, does not require the effort of visualizing abstract geometrical constructs in spaces of more than three dimensions. The argument develops in the context of the flat space-time of special relativity theory but the final result can be immediately extended to curved space-time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pandres has shown that an enlargement of the covariance group to the group of conservative transformations leads to a richer geometry than that of general relativity. Using orthonormal tetrads as field variables, the fundamental geometric object is the curvature vector denoted by C μ . From an appropriate scalar Lagrangian field equations for both free-field and the field with sources have been developed. We first review models which use a free-field solution to model the Solar System and why these results are unacceptable. We also show that the standard Schwarzschild metric is also unacceptable in our theory. Finally we show that there are solutions which involve sources which agree with general relativity PPN parameters and thus approximate the Schwarzschild solution. The main difference is that the Einstein tensor is not identically zero but includes small values for the density, radial pressure and tangential pressure. Higher precision experiments should be able to determine the validity of these models. These results add further confirmation that the theory developed by Pandres is the fundamental theory of physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is an essay about general covariance, and what it says (or doesn't say) about spacetime structure. After outlining a version of the dynamical approach to spacetime theories, and how it struggles to deal with generally covariant theories, I argue that we should think about the symmetry structure of spacetime rather differently in generally-covariant theories compared to non-generally-covariant theories: namely, as a form of internal rather than external symmetry structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first study on pollen from Xyris complanata using light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Pollen in various conditions, including acetolysed, hydrated, and dehydrated states, were examined. The results show that X. complanata plants disperse their pollen in a linear polyad, comprising a cohesive elongate uniplanar tetragonal tetrad aggregate, consisting of 4 to 10 tetrads per unit. The cohesion within and between tetrads is accomplished by means of the fusion of the tectum. The individual grains are medium in size, pollen grains of intermediary tetrad are quadrangular in both polar and equatorial views, pollen grains of apical tetrad are obovoid in shape, both are triangular in frontal equatorial view, exine 3.0 ± 0.2 μm thick, ulcerate covered with a fossulate–perforate operculum, and heterobrochate microreticulate–perforate sculpturings. Pollen wall consists of the tectum, columellae, footlayer, and endexine, with pollenkitt. The dispersal unit and apertural type are distinctive characters, since, among Xyris, such features can only be found in pollen of X. complanata. The results of the present study contribute useful characters for the systematic study of plants in the genus Xyris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an integrated benchmarking approach. To analyse the performance of inter-organizational (supply chain) processes at company level we combine dependency analysis and data envelopment analysis (DEA). DEA has been proven to be a powerful tool for benchmarking processes and for identifying the most efficient ones. Before using DEA analysis the inputs and outputs as well as the relevant dependencies have to be identified. To support the determination of input and output variables we propose to use dependency analysis. We illustrate the application of this integrated approach by analysing the results of an empirical benchmarking study of 65 European and North American companies. The study shows that make-to-stock is still the predominating manufacturing strategy of the analysed industries. Therefore, we utilize different DEA models with weight restrictions only for companies with a make-to-stock strategy. The results support our basic hypotheses that efficient supply chains lead to high financial performance. Furthermore they indicate improvement potential for the benchmarked supply chain processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By means of Clifford Algebra, a unified language and tool to describe the rules of nature, this paper systematically discusses the dynamics and properties of spinor fields in curved space-time, such as the decomposition of the spinor connection, the classical approximation of the Dirac equation, the energy-momentum tensor of spinors and so on. To split the spinor connection into the Keller connection Υμ∈Λ1 and the pseudo-vector potential Ωμ∈Λ3 not only makes the calculation simpler, but also highlights their different physical meanings. The representation of the new spinor connection is dependent only on the metric, but not on the Dirac matrix. Only in the new form of connection can we clearly define the classical concepts for the spinor field and then derive its complete classical dynamics, that is, Newton’s second law of particles. To study the interaction between space-time and fermion, we need an explicit form of the energy-momentum tensor of spinor fields; however, the energy-momentum tensor is closely related to the tetrad, and the tetrad cannot be uniquely determined by the metric. This uncertainty increases the difficulty of deriving rigorous expression. In this paper, through a specific representation of tetrad, we derive the concrete energy-momentum tensor and its classical approximation. In the derivation of energy-momentum tensor, we obtain a spinor coefficient table Sabμν, which plays an important role in the interaction between spinor and gravity. From this paper we find that Clifford algebra has irreplaceable advantages in the study of geometry and physics.

Antioxidant effect of roasted coffees added to modified atmosphere packaged (MAP) refrigerated ground pork (1 g/kg) as ground, lyophilized brew, and lyophilized spent coffee was evaluated over 21 days. Pork with added coffee had significantly lower TBARS values compared to the control after day 7, while most pork samples treated with coffee were comparable to those with 0.02% rosemary. Metmyoglobin levels with dark lyophilized brew were higher than other treatments after 20 days, while light brew had the lowest final thiol levels. There was no significant difference in color between the rosemary or coffee-treated samples. Sensory evaluation of cooked pork patties via tetrad method after 1 and 3 days of refrigeration indicated that participants could only detect the added coffee on day 3, while acceptance was not affected on either day. Coffee exhibited an antioxidant effect comparable to rosemary while maintaining sensory acceptability, thereby showing potential as an ingredient to lengthen the chemical shelf life of ground pork. Consumers' degree of liking was not affected at coffee concentrations incorporated, making coffee a potential natural antioxidant for certain niche products for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We give novel Python and R interfaces for the (Java) Tetrad project for causal modeling, search, and estimation. The Tetrad project is a mainstay in the literature, having been under consistent development for over 30 years. Some of its algorithms are now classics, like PC and FCI; others are recent developments. It is increasingly the case, however, that researchers need to access the underlying Java code from Python or R. Existing methods for doing this are inadequate. We provide new, up-to-date methods using the JPype Python-Java interface and the Reticulate Python-R interface, directly solving these issues. With the addition of some simple tools and the provision of working examples for both Python and R, using JPype and Reticulate to interface Python and R with Tetrad is straightforward and intuitive.

A graph can specify the skeletal structure of an idea, onto which meaning can be added by interpreting the structure. This paper considers several directed and undirected graphs consisting of four nodes, and suggests different meanings that can be associated with these different structures. Drawing on John G. Bennett’s “systematics”, specifically on the Tetrad that systematics offers as a model of “activity”, the analysis formalizes and augments the systematics account and shows that the Tetrad is a versatile model of problem-solving, regulation and control, and other processes. Discussion is extended to include hypergraphs, in which links can relate more than two nodes, and the possibility of a “reconstructability analysis of ideas” is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]